柳
01
Where it comes from
Yanagi is drawn from the willow's trees, branches, and leaves, most often the weeping willow with its long, trailing branches. In China the willow was the first green to mark the end of winter, and because a cut branch pushed into the ground takes root and grows, it became a plant of strong life and good fortune. A willow branch was given to someone setting out, and set by the gate at the start of the year to keep evil away. In Japan, willow chopsticks were used for the first meal of the year, and celebration sake was sent in willow casks.
02
On the cloth
Willow is often drawn in pairs: with swallows, with snow on its branches, with plum or cherry, or with a kickball; willows were planted at a corner of the court kickball ground. Willow and kickball were a pattern for yukata in the Edo period, and in Noh, weeping willow and flowing water have been woven on a navy robe of silk gauze.
03
To give
Willow suits a farewell, a move to a far place, or someone leaving to study or work abroad. It is a gift for someone you hope will put down roots wherever they land.
A word to keep
柳に燕
yanagi ni tsubame
Willow and swallow. A favorite pairing, both marking the coming of spring.
Two questions
What does the Willow (柳) pattern mean?
A wish to take root wherever the road leads. Willow suits a farewell, a move to a far place, or someone leaving to study or work abroad.
Where does the 柳 pattern come from?
Yanagi is drawn from the willow's trees, branches, and leaves, most often the weeping willow with its long, trailing branches. In China the willow was the first green to mark the end of winter, and because a cut branch pushed into the ground takes root and grows, it became a plant of strong life and good fortune.
